The residents of Chagai also known as Chaghi have voiced their frustration by blocking the road leading to Nokundi Bab-e-Umar against the oppressive tactics of the Pak Army.
Reportedly, the previous day, the Pak Army callously sabotaged their vehicles by pouring sand into the engines of two local individuals’ vehicles, causing them excruciating pain as they walked barefoot on scorching hot sand.
Residents said that such incidents have occurred before, where drivers’ vehicles’ engines were disabled, and water bottles were also snatched from the drivers, leading to the drivers dying of thirst.
They further said that they appeal to human rights organizations to take note of the forces’ actions. Meanwhile, an announcement was made by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee to hold a protest rally in Dalbandin.
In an inhumane and disgraceful act, the Pak Army has tortured and abandoned Baloch drivers and labourers in the desert.
Leaders from the Baloch National Party and other nationalist groups participated, calling the puppet authority representatives “traders” who have been “sold out” and no longer defend the rights of the Baloch people.
The protesters said that Baloch people are being exploited. Instead of hiring local youth for the Rekodiq and Saindak projects, people from Punjab are being recruited. “If any Baloch tries to work across the border, they are not spared. Their shoes are removed and they are forced to stand barefoot on scorching sand,” another protester said.
It should be noted that in April 2024, nearly 200 batteries were removed from the radiators of vehicles by the Pak Army officials in the deserted border area, leaving drivers helpless and stranded. Reportedly, many drivers died due to thirst.
Since 1948, when Pakistan forcibly occupied Balochistan, the region has been subjected to the exploitation of its resources and systematic oppression of its people by the Pak Army. Pak Army is depriving the people of their basic rights. It is important for the international community to support the Baloch nation and raise its voice for their rights.